The Story Behind Pilot Metals
Let’s start from the beginning…
2021: PILOT METALS WAS BORN!
It all began in 2021 when Eric Brittenham and Rich Struble started reworking equipment and fabricating custom solutions to solve customers needs. They didn’t know exactly what it would become, but the vision (and need) was there.
2022: THE WORD SPREADS
The relentless pursuit of design perfection, quality products, and quick turnaround times led to earning the trust of new customers. Quickly, equipment and new capabilities were added to the arsenal. This included a laser, press brake, cold saw, MIG/TIG welding, and machining capabilities.
It was also the year Pilot Metals began building custom knock down, easy to assemble, shipping crates that were certified to ship internationally. Many customers had large, delicate, or expensive items that needed to be transported, and this became their solution.
2023: TIME TO MAKE THE JUMP
In 2023, Eric and Rich moved from part time to full time. Production ramped up to accommodate the demand of full store line-ups of stainless food service equipment - an area that began to take a larger focus.
2024: CREATIVITY TAKES COURAGE
2024 was truly a year of expansion. Pilot Metals delved deeper into numerous new areas, but one that stands out is the world of art. Large scale art structures were completed and installed - see the photos below of this completed project at the Children’s Imaginarium in downtown Wausau!
Also in 2024, Pilot Metals began utilizing over two decades of 3D SolidWorks and design experience to offer design consulting services. It was the first time the accumulated knowledge could be passed onto others in a structured system!
If that wasn’t enough for one year, 2024 was also the year Pilot Metals became a NSF2 Certified shop. This was a huge milestone for the food services portion of the business, signifying that builds for commercial kitchens would meet food protection and sanitation requirements before even leaving the shop. To go along with that new certification, Pilot Metals built numerous large food service stainless steel islands and lineups for restaurants and stores.
2025: PILOTS PRODUCT OFFERING COMING SOON
This will be the year of Pilot Metals ready to go products. Keep an eye out for our first ever line of items that will be available to purchase on this website, coming straight from us to your door! 👀